Carly Anderson as Glinda and Jacqueline Hughes as Elphaba in a scene from 'Wicked.' Photo by Chamby Sotto

MANILA — Just three years since it made its Philippine debut in 2014, the international musical sensation “Wicked” is back in Manila.

And this theatrical re-imagining of the classic “Wizard of Oz” story is even better this time around.

Three years ago, the Cultural Center of the Philippines housed an Australian touring production of “Wicked” at its cavernous Main Theater. This new international production just finished a two-year, record-breaking tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which was seen by more than 1.5 million people in 15 cities. It opened last Thursday at the more compact The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino.

Jacqueline Hughes and Carly Anderson play the two witches of Oz in this run and were rewarded with a standing ovation when this reviewer watched the show on Friday.

Based on characters created by L. Frank Baum in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” tells the story of the unlikely friendship of two girls who first meet as sorcery students. Glinda (Anderson) grows up to be the Good Witch, while Elphaba (Hughes) becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.

If “The Wizard of Oz” is a classic children’s tale, “Wicked” the musical, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, has all the ingredients for a young adult hit, particularly among girls.

Glinda is the school’s popular girl, a cheery blonde who is forced to share rooms with the outcast Elphaba who was born with green skin. But while Glinda may have the wealth and beauty (think “Legally Blonde”) that a lot of young girls aspire for, it is Elphaba who has the gift of sorcery that Glinda wants. Moreover, Glinda’s fiancé Fiyero is actually in love with Elphaba, a revelation that almost destroys the two women’s friendship. Despite the musical’s fantastic elements from goat professors and flying monkeys, “Wicked” offers a story of female bonding that many can relate with.

More interestingly, “Wicked” is also an origins story with events from “The Wizard of Oz” intersecting with the musical’s plot, which provides another layer of entertainment for audiences to chew on.

But the appeal of “Wicked” isn’t just based on the audience’s familiarity with its source material. The stage wizardry on display is guaranteed to entertain even the most casual of theatergoers.

The cast of 'Wicked" during the Emerald City number. Photo by Chammy Sotto

While the smaller stage of Solaire seemed cramped, given the fairly large cast and the musical’s intricate scenery, it also allows the audience to better appreciate the astonishing details of the sets and costumes, and wonder at the flawless stage movement and magical moments of the show, such as the much-awaited “Defying Gravity” number that closes Act 1.

The size also gave “Wicked” an intimate feel, bringing the audience closer to the action and allowing them to connect more to the developing relationships among the different characters.

And up close, the two female leads certainly sparkled.

Hughes is not just a powerhouse singer. Her Elphaba isn’t just a lonely Disney-style outcast but a wonderfully complex character — guarded, suspicious and reserved yet also strong and stubborn. Hughes was also not afraid to show Elphaba’s darker side.

Anderson was thoroughly delightful, with crystal-clear tones and precise phrasing. Like Hughes, she also gave a more complex interpretation of Glinda and her character development, at least in this production, was actually more touching.

They truly owned the stage and deserved that standing ovation. This “Wicked” proved lovelier the second time around.

“Wicked” runs until March 12 at The Theatre at Solaire.